Wedge component for tapping connector

Abstract

A wedge component (1) for an electrical tap connector employed for the connection of conductors (5) of electrical distribution networks. The wedge (1) is generally trapezoidal in shape, can be manufactured of aluminum, and includes a lowering (2) and a reinforcement projection (3) longitudinally extending between side grooves (4,4'). The wedge (1) is lightweight, inexpensive, and strong since the reinforcement projection (3) provides strength for the tap connector wedge component (1) when it is applied to the conductors (5). FIG. 1.

We claim: 
     
       1. A wedge member for use with an electrical tap line connector for an electrical system, comprising: a wedge member having at least one side groove therein for accommodating a conductor of an electrical system; and   said wedge member includes a lowered portion in a surface thereof with a reinforcement projection in said lowered portion, and said reinforcement projection comprises a section thereof having a longitudinal axis, and said section axis is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of said groove for transmitting forces along said section longitudinal axis.   
     
     
       2. The wedge member of claim 1, wherein said lowered portion comprises a transverse back surface which is relatively longer than a transverse front surface of said lowered portion, and said reinforcement projection is operative to support said front surface when said wedge member is installed. 
     
     
       3. The wedge member of claim 1, wherein said lowered portion comprises a transverse back surface which is relatively longer than a transverse front surface of said lowered portion, and said front and back surfaces extend away from said lowered portion for being supported by said reinforcement projection when said wedge member is installed. 
     
     
       4. The wedge member of claim 1, wherein said lowered portion comprises a transverse back surface which is relatively longer than a transverse front surface of said lowered portion, and said reinforcement projection is operative to support said back surface when said wedge member is installed. 
     
     
       5. The wedge member of claim 4, wherein said back surface is generally transverse relative to said section longitudinal axis for transmitting forces along said projection longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       6. A wedge member for use with an electrical tap line connector for an electrical system, comprising: a wedge member having at least two axially directed sides therein for accommodating conductors of an electrical system; and   said wedge member includes a lowered portion in a surface thereof with an axially directed reinforcement means for axially stiffening said wedge member in said lowered portion.   
     
     
       7. The wedge member of claim 6, wherein said reinforcement means comprises a section thereof having a longitudinal axis, and said section axis is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of at least one of said sides for transmitting forces along said projection longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       8. The wedge member of claim 6, wherein said lowered portion comprises a transverse back surface which is relatively longer than a transverse front surface of said lowered portion, and said reinforcement means is operative to support said front surface when said wedge member is installed. 
     
     
       9. The wedge member of claim 6, wherein said lowered portion comprises a transverse back surface which is relatively longer than a transverse front surface of said lowered portion, and said front and back surfaces extend away from said lowered portion for being supported by said reinforcement means when said wedge member is installed. 
     
     
       10. The wedge member of claim 6, wherein said lowered portion comprises a transverse back surface which is relatively longer than a transverse front surface of said lowered portion, and said reinforcement means is operative to support said back surface when said wedge member is installed. 
     
     
       11. The wedge member of claim 10, wherein said reinforcement means comprises a section thereof having a longitudinal axis, and said back surface is generally transverse relative to said section longitudinal axis for transmitting forces along said reinforcement means longitudinal axis.